Effect of different regimens of early malnutrition on behavioural development and adult avoidance learning in Swiss white mice

Abstract

1. The effects of perinatal malnutrition on behavioural development and adult shuttle-box avoidance performance were studied in Swiss white mice. 2. Mice were malnourished (a) from the 7th day of gestation until birth, (b) from birth until weaning, or (c) during both gestation and the sucking period. 3. Pups born of protein-restricted mothers had reduced birth weights, retarded development and poor adult avoidance performance, even if reared from birth by well-nourished mothers. 4. Postnatal malnutrition, induced either by restricting maternal diet or by rearing in large litters, retarded development during the second half of lactation and lowered subsequent adult avoidance performance.